Dear Jon

This is an open letter to Jon Gruden regarding the current state of my beloved Buccaneers.

Dear Jon,
This week we face the Carolina Panthers. I don't need to tell you, that if we lost this week, we will be down 2 games in our division and we'll then have an overall record of 3-3 with upcoming games with Seattle and the Dallas "work release" Cowboys. I have a few suggestions going into tomorrow's game.

First, Sit Dexter "skids" Jackson on the bench and allow Michael Bennett to return the kickoffs. Bennett has 4.2 40 speed and was a pro bowl player when he was in Minnesota. Mike's not afraid of contact and has played NFL football for several years now and understands it's nuances.
Dexter Jackson falls down so much I believe he has a neuromusclar problem. He should be a spokesman for Morgan and Morgan personal injury attorneys, Slip and Fall, call Morgan and Morgan. I'm Skids Jackson and I approved this message. For the love of God, please let Bennett return the kickoffs. You won't let him touch the ball in any other fashion.

Second, When the Bucs gave away a king's ransom to obtain you as the head coach, your reputation was that you were an offensive genius. Now, I'm one of your biggest fans, but Jon, your offense is offensive. It's 2008. It's okay to try a pass attempt of 20 yards or more atleast once in a game. And when the running game is clicking, it's okay to try to run the ball more than 20 times a game. Graham gets better later in the game with more carries. He's touching the ball 11 times a game at this current rate. Why did we draft all these big studs on the OL the past few years if we can't run the damn ball? This technique of abandoning the run allowed Green Bay back into the game two weeks ago when we clearly had dominated the game up until that point.

Third, Clock management. Three times this season in the opening drive, the Bucs have called a timeout. Why? Down by 10 points in Denver with 7 minutes to go, Garcia comes in and executes the "death by a thousand papercuts offense" dinking and dunking 3 yards passes, striking fear in the defense of Denver, all the while eating up 5 minutes of clock time. It would have been nice to S-T-R-E-T-C-H the field and score, then kick off to Denver with more than 1:58 on the clock putting the defense in such a make or break situation.

Fourth, Penalties. What is it with the RT position for the Bucs? Trueblood has been out of control the past few weeks with stupid penalties. Before Trueblood, we had to endure Kenyatta "false start" Walker. Another player we sold our soul for in the draft which is now out of football completely. Get this damned squad under control. It seems as if we are always at 1st and 15 or 2nd and 20. You are professionals, act like it.

Lastly, I don't need to reiterate to you how important this weeks game is. This season, I believe both wildcard teams will be from the NFC East division, so inorder to get into the playoffs, the Bucs will need to repeat as NFC South division champs. I realize since realignment, the team which finishes last the prior year wins the division the next year. Carolina has won their last 5 games in Tampa and Tampa is 4-10 against the spread in the past 14 games. It doesn't look good on paper my friend. But the game is played on the field. Now field the best 47 players this Sunday and kick Carolina's ass. The Rays have their back against the wall in the early series with the Evil Empire and the Bucs are in the same position. This week's game can be the difference in whether we finish 10-6 or 6-10. Pound the Rock!


That is all.